Effects of an Oral Ghrelin Mimetic on Body Composition and Clinical Outcomes in Healthy Older Adults

Graphs show arithmetic differences (95% CI). Asterisks indicates a significant difference (MK-677 vs. placebo) at 12 months. 4-C= 4-compartment model; CT= computed tomography; DXA= dual energy x-ray absorptiometry; ECW= extracellular water; FFM= fat-free mass; ICW= intracellular water; SC= subcutaneous; TASM= total appendicular skeletal mass; TBW= total body water. A. Changes in FFM (by 4-C model and by DXA) and TASM (by DXA). B. Changes in TBW, EBW, and ICW. The increase in TBW and ICW with MK-677 are consistent with the anabolic effects of the drug. C. Changes in abdominal visceral and abdominal SC fat cross-sectional areas by computed tomography. D. Changes in body weight and total fat by 4-C model and DXA.